What do you suggest for cleaning the wheels. I know they have a clear coat just like the paint, so abrasive scrubbing is to be avoided. Any other pointers?

 

I use a micro-fiber towel to wipe them down after spray them with soapy water.

If there really grungy, I use P21S gel wheel cleaner. Same stuff I use on my motorcycle wheels.

The micro-fiber towels are a great size for cleaning wheels, and will not scratch. They do get grungy fast, however and need to be washed.

 

I use a lamb's wool wash mit and the Zaino Z7 shampoo/water. Does a really nice job. Then I dress the tires with Meguiar's Gold Class Endurance. The wheels and tires look really nice afterwards.

 

Make sure that whatever you use to clean you wheels with, do not use it on your other painted surfaces. The dedicated wheel brush/towel/whatever will pick up abrasive brake pad particles that can never be fully removed. I use a special washcloth and usually plain water, sometimes mixed with mild soap, to clean wheels.

 

Good tip Joshua. I think I've been recycling the towels I've been using to clean the wheels but I'm stopping that practice.

 

Mavic: Check out http://www.griotsgarage.com for their wheel cleaner which carries the approval of BBS. I use it with a sponge, but Griot's also has a 3-finger foam mit for application.
Wheel cleaner, 35 oz. (item # 11106) $6.95; Foam mit (item # 11838) $6.95

dgl1

 

How many of you take the wheels off the car to clean them?

I have found it much easier to clean them "off the car" with just soapy water and a dedicated set of wheel brushes.

The only issue I have is the looks I get from my neighbors when they see the car jacked up and me scrubbing the wheels.

The hassles of being "anal-retentive".

 

I'm a big fan of P21S Wheel cleaner (PH Balanced so it won't hurt anything). If you get some it comes with a sponge. Just spray on, use the sponge if neccessary to loosen brake dust and dirt and hose off. Your wheels will look good as new.

--MING

 

Oh - and if you have some Zaino Z2 laying around - it doesn't hurt to Zaino your wheels as well - it'll keep them looking new and give them a bit of protection.

--MING

 

My old next door neighbor taught me a neat trick. Ever since he got his factory direct shipped 968 (when they were new) he would take off his wheels also. Not only would he wash the wheels off of the car but he would do a really cool thing at the end. He would wipe vaseline on the inside of the wheels. When I asked why he did that he said that the next time he goes to take off dirt it justs wipes off real easy. I thought that was a great idea and a good way to keep your wheels real clean.